IIHF Mandates Use Of Neck Guard Post Adam Johnson Injury Tragically Causing His Death

I still don’t understand why were neck guards not mandatory to begin with. But better let than never! Neck guards will now be required for players competing at all levels in the games that the International Ice Hockey Federation oversees, including the Olympics and the world championships for men and women. This announcement was made on Monday. This came post Adam Johnson’s injury tragically caused his death.

IIHF Mandates Use Of Neck Guard Post Adam Johnson Injury Tragically Causing His Death

Professional leagues, like as the NHL, which does not presently have any cut-proof safety regulations for players, would not be subject to the law. An agreement between the NHL and the players’ union, who have been debating skateblade safety for years, would be necessary before any kind of mandate could be implemented.

The choice was made in response to AHL player Adam Johnson’s untimely death from a skate blade strike in October during a game against rival Matt Petgrave.

The issue is still being looked into.

Professional hockey leagues, such as the NHL, would not be affected by the IIHF’s neck guard rule since such a requirement would need an agreement between the league and the NHL Player’s Association (NHLPA).

But since then, several players have begun to wear them as an additional layer of protection, including T.J. Oshie of the Washington Capitals and Cole Koepke of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

“The IIHF remains in close contact with its suppliers to ensure they are able to respond to the current high demand,” the organization said in a statement. “Until the rule officially goes into effect, the IIHF continues to strongly recommend that neck laceration protectors are worn by all players performing in an IIHF competition.”

In the past, the IIHF only required neck guards for under-20 and under-18 competitions, which included the world junior championship. Starting with the upcoming season, neck protections will be required by the English Ice Hockey Association, the organization that oversees the Elite League, in which Johnson was participating at the time of his death. This has been adopted by other leagues.

Which safety equipment is utilized in youth hockey programs around the United States varies; several are already mandated.

In remembrance of Johnson, a number of NHL players, notably Cole Koepke of Tampa Bay and T.J. Oshie of Washington, have chosen to wear neckguards during games this season.

“NHL guys, I think it’s super important that they know it’s going to be available,” Oshie stated. “We’re grown men. If you don’t want to do it, you don’t. At least now, middle of the season, I don’t know if it’s necessary to mandate it, but you can make your own choices. I made my choice for my kids. I want to stick around for them. Just trying to decrease the chance of injury.”

 

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